Interview with Mrs. Lara Hage:

Mrs. Hage acts as Secretary to the Board of Advisors and handles all administrative matters regarding the Foundation in Lebanon. Mrs Hage holds a BBA from the American University of Beirut. She has served on the Parents Committee of College Maristes-Champville in Beirut. Mrs Hage is a Lebanese and Canadian citizen currently resident in Lebanon.

1. What is the story behind the Alexis and Anne-Marie Habib Foundation? Why did you choose education as a mission?

The Alexis & Anne-Marie Habib Foundation was created as a UK Charity in 2006 and has been fully funded through contributions from Alexis Habib and his family. Its mission is to promote higher education in Lebanon on the belief that Lebanon’s true wealth resides in its human capital. In fulfilling its mission, the Foundation seeks to identify bright, academically talented, and financially disadvantaged high school and university students and to provide them with long term financial support so that they can maximize their educational potential.

2. What motivates The Alexis & Anne-Marie Habib Foundation to support USJ students?

USJ has been a pillar of higher education since its establishment in 1875 and is a partner of choice for the foundation. With close to 12,000 students in 5 campuses and 2,000 professors, it ranks as one of the largest educational institutions in Lebanon and the middle east.

3. When did you start helping USJ students?

Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation has been supporting USJ students. To date we have provided scholarships to 352 students who attended USJ.

4. How do you describe your collaboration with USJ?

We have a very good working relationship with the financial aid office (Service Social) and more recently with the Fondation USJ. They have done a remarkable job at facilitating access to financial aid for their students. 

5. What are the plans of the foundation to further help students to pursue their dreams in Lebanon?

It is hard to speak of dreams in the current environment, but we certainly want to provide the necessary support to ensure that higher education is within reach for all.

We are also working on building a "mentoring program" for our younger scholars as well as organizing regular gatherings to create the conditions for our Foundation alumni to network effectively.

6. Which message of hope can you share with all the students in Lebanon in these difficult times?

"Education is a powerful tool that can empower individuals and societies; never underestimate the value of knowledge and learning. In times of adversity like the ones our country is facing, remember to never lose sight of what you are seeking: to build a better future for yourselves and your loved ones. And your education is your best asset: it cannot be taken away from you, be frozen or devalued. It is yours to build upon wherever you are in this world. Take good care of yourselves!"